Suggestions




··

22 Dead as Madagascar Dissolves Government in Face of Mass Protests

October 1, 2025
by

President Andry Rajoelina has dissolved Madagascar’s government following days of violent protests over electricity blackouts and water shortages that have left at least 22 people dead and more than 100 injured, according to United Nations figures.

The announcement, made on September 29, dismissed Prime Minister Christian Ntsay and his cabinet, though they will remain in place in caretaker roles until a new government is named.

Join our WhatsApp Channel

The unrest, which began in the capital on September 25, was initially triggered by anger over chronic power cuts and water shortages but quickly grew into broader demonstrations against corruption, poor governance, and political stagnation. The movement, led largely by young people mobilized through social media, has become the most serious challenge to Rajoelina since his reelection in 2023. Security forces have used teargas and rubber bullets to disperse crowds, sparking clashes, looting, and further violence across Antananarivo.

In a televised address announcing the dissolution, Rajoelina said he had heard the people’s grievances. “I heard the call, I felt the suffering, I understood the impact on daily life,” he declared, promising to form a new cabinet within three days. But many demonstrators rejected the move as insufficient, continuing to demand his resignation and sweeping reforms to key institutions, including the election commission and judiciary. Protest leaders criticized his statement as insincere and insisted that protests would not end without deeper political change.

Demonstrations resumed the day after Rajoelina’s announcement, with protesters carrying placards reading “We need water, we need electricity, Rajoelina out.”

Security forces again deployed teargas to disperse the crowds. While the United Nations has reported 22 deaths and more than 100 injuries, Madagascar’s foreign ministry has disputed those figures, claiming they are based on “rumors or misinformation.”

The crisis underscores the fragility of Madagascar’s democracy. Rajoelina, a former mayor of Antananarivo, first seized power in a 2009 coup before stepping aside in 2014. He returned as an elected president in 2018 and secured a third term in 2023 in a disputed vote marred by allegations of irregularities.

The latest demonstrations, widely known as the “Leo Délestage” movement, a reference to load shedding, have tapped into widespread frustration with years of weak infrastructure, political instability, and deep poverty in one of the world’s poorest nations. For now, the president’s move to dissolve the government has done little to ease tensions. With protesters demanding nothing short of his departure, Madagascar remains gripped by uncertainty over whether the administration can restore stability or if the unrest will escalate into a broader political crisis.

Website |  + posts

Prime Business Africa

Related Posts

Previous Story

Access Bank CEO Ogbonna Worth His ₦30bn London Mansion – Financial Analyst

Next Story

Ex-Congo President Joseph Kabila Sentenced to Death in Absentia Over War Crimes

Featured Stories

Related Posts

Latest from Africa

Sierra Leone Honours Nigerian Military Officers for Peace Efforts

The President of Sierra Leone, Julius Maada Bio, has awarded national honours to two senior Nigerian military officers in recognition of their contributions to peace and regional stability. The awards were presented during the 17th Armed Forces Day celebration of the Republic

Mugabe’s Son Arrested in South Africa Over Alleged Shooting

Bellarmine Chatunga, the son of former Zimbabwean leader Robert Mugabe, has been arrested in South Africa following an alleged shooting at his residence in Johannesburg. Police say the incident took place at his home in the upmarket Hyde Park suburb, where an

Kenya to Begin Administering HIV Prevention Drug

Kenya will begin rolling out a new HIV-prevention drug in March, in what health officials have described as a major step forward in the fight against the virus. The drug, lenacapavir, is taken just twice a year and has been shown in

Gabon Suspends Social Media Amid Rising Unrest

Gabon’s media regulator has ordered the suspension of social media platforms “until further notice,” citing content that it says is fuelling division and unrest in the country. The High Authority for Communication (HAC) announced the move on Tuesday. Spokesman Jean-Claude Mendome said

Tinubu Urges Release of South Sudan Vice-President

President Bola Tinubu has called for the immediate and unconditional release of South Sudan’s First Vice-President, Riek Machar, as part of efforts to revive the country’s stalled peace process. In a message delivered by Vice-President Kashim Shettima, Mr Tinubu said Nigeria remained
Previous Story

Access Bank CEO Ogbonna Worth His ₦30bn London Mansion – Financial Analyst

Next Story

Ex-Congo President Joseph Kabila Sentenced to Death in Absentia Over War Crimes

Don't Miss

How World Leaders Are Reacting To Israel-Palestine War

Israel-Hamas Conflict: Gaza Death Toll Surpasses 20,000

Israel-Hamas conflict enters the 11th week, the death toll in
Participants at the Nigeria Now Forum

US, Nigeria Stakeholders Join Forces On Food Security

United States Soybean Export Council (USSEC) in collaboration with the